AP Photo/Bret HartmanPortland midfielder Darlington Nagbe, (center, under pressure from Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham, left, and Galaxy defender A.J. DeLaGarza during Timbers' 1-0 loss at Los Angeles June 17) says he plans to be more aggressive in game against Seattle Sunday. (AP Photo/Bret Hartman)

The arrival of Danny Mwanga has caused changes in the Timbers' starting
11, with Darlington Nagbe being moved to a different position - a change
that he has experienced before during his short career with the
Timbers.

The second-year player moved to a midfield position to make room for
Mwanga at forward in the Timbers' 1-0 loss at Los Angeles on Sunday.
It's the sixth time Nagbe has been moved from one position to another
during the 2012 season. Nagbe said he's willing to play wherever needed.

"I don't mind moving to different positions," said Nagbe, who will
likely play in the midfield against Seattle on Sunday. "Certain games
give you different things and I just have to find a way to get open."

Nagbe said he prefers to play at forward where he has more freedom up top as opposed to the congested middle of the field.

"In the midfield, guys have their eyes on me. I feel like when we're
trying to build up (the attack), it's easier for guys to get a look on
me," Nagbe said. "Part of that is my fault. I have to try and get open
more often and out of the eyesight of the defender."

Portland coach John Spencer said Nagbe has played well at forward and as
an attacking midfielder working through the middle, but said he thinks
the 21-year-old's best position is out wide in the midfield.

"I think he has had his best games for this club playing in a wide
area," Spencer said. "Right now, we're playing him through the middle
and we'll see if we can get some production from him."

Spencer said every player on the roster must produce to stay at a position and in the game.

"The (statistics) will dictate what you've done as a player individually
and with your team collectively. The end product is what you will be
judged on. Not where you see yourself playing and where you enjoy
playing," Spencer said. "It doesn't matter how many passes you complete
or how high your passing percentage is. The bottom line will be the
stats: assists and goals. Plain and simple."

Nagbe's abilities have impressed Mwanga, who said the team needs to look
for Nagbe more often to create from the middle and give the forwards
more scoring chances.

"He's really a guy that we're going to rely on bringing the ball forward
and making something happen up top," Mwanga said. "He's a great
attacking player. He is always playing with his head up, looking for
options. We just have to make sure we put ourselves in good positions."

If Nagbe -- or any of the midfielders -- can contribute more to the
Timbers' sputtering attack, Spencer would be a very happy coach.

"The midfield players have to step up to the plate at times and create
more and start scoring more goals," Spencer said. "We can't rely on the
forwards to score goals all the time."

Nagbe has scored three goals, but he hasn't scored a goal since March 31
-- a span of nine games -- and hasn't assisted on a goal this season.
Nagbe said he's going to be more aggressive to help the Timbers solve
their season-long scoring struggle.

"I'll probably take more chances. I'm comfortable with taking shots,"
said Nagbe, who took one shot against the Galaxy. "I just need to be
more aggressive and take more shots, and drive at guys more."